AIR PASSENGER DUTY IS A TAX ON TRADE

We have the highest rate of Air Passenger Duty (APD) in the EU which puts UK business and trade at a massive disadvantage compared to other EU countries like Germany, France and Ireland. This makes no economic sense when we need to be expanding global trade links as Brexit gets ever closer. Please support our call for at least a 50% cut in this Tax on Trade to make Britain competitive.

Why should APD be reduced across the UK?

✈️ APD is bad for UK PLC

APD is bad for business, increasing the costs of UK companies trading internationally, and of international companies doing business with the UK. It is also bad for businesses dependent on domestic air travel.

The British Chambers of Commerce calls APD ‘a trade tax on global traders’. The CBI, IoD and many other leading business groups have also highlighted its damage.

✈️ APD has a negative effect on tourism

Travel and tourism is one of the UK economy’s most vibrant, diverse and valuable industries, contributing a staggering £127 billion to GDP annually and sustaining over 3 million UK jobs.

With 72% of visits to the UK by air, APD has a direct negative impact on travel and tourism spending.

✈️ APD burdens families going on holiday

APD makes it more expensive for families to go on holiday or visit friends and family abroad.

APD is a burden on the family budget, putting UK families at a disadvantage compared to European families. Even with the recent changes exempting children from APD, a family holiday remains a significant purchase, in part because of APD paid on adult tickets.